2008 Dodge Ram 3500 Steering Problems

Which parts fail

• Linkages › Tie rod assembly
  8
• Rack and pinion
  1

Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).

Mileage when the problem started

• Under 25k
  815%
• 25k–50k
  1019%
• 50k–75k
  1630%
• 75k–100k
  611%
• 100k–150k
  713%
• 150k+
  611%

Owner reports

Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2008 Dodge Ram 3500 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).

.The contact owns a 2008 Dodge Ram 3500. The contact stated that while attempting to reverse in the driveway, the steering wheel made an abnormal cracking sound and became significantly loosened. The contact stated that upon inspecting the vehicle, he noticed that the tie rod had fractured. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V529000 (Steering). The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 162,020. The VIN was not available.

Approximately 3 months (and 2637 miles of highway driving) after having safety recall n62 / NHTSA 13v-528 work accomplished by landers mclarty dealership in huntsville alabama, the drag link disconnected disconnected from the right tie rod at approximately 40 MPH. This resulted in a complete loss of steering and caused my vehicle to cross opposing traffic lanes and enter a ditch before I could stop the vehicle. The recall repairs were not conducted per dealer service instructions. Landers mclarty Dodge service manager had provided me an e-mail indicating "I have talked to all 3 of the technicians that perform this recall, and they all stated that they use an impact gun to actually install that nut, due to the teflon that is on the inside of it to keep it from backing off after it is installed. …

Owner of 2008 Dodge 3500 dually was driving down road when fuse box caught fire. Windshield wipers started continuously squirting and smoke came out from underneath hood. Going 75mph with horsetrailer in tow, vehicle without warning, shut off leaving owner without power, lights, steering or brakes while windshield wipers still squirting continuously and wiper blades not working. If this happened 1 hour later owner would be dead as next part of road has extreme downgrade with curves. Vehicle was towed to nearest Dodge dealer where fuse box was replaced at owners expense. Took vehicle home 6 hours later new fuse box fuse blown and wires starting to melt again. Took vehicle into local Dodge dealer and traded in for different truck. When Dodge/Chrysler engineer flew in to examine old fuse box the box was burnt to a crisp. …

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Dodge Ram 3500. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced a death wobble while driving and the front end shook violently. The contact had to depress the brake pedal with force to stop the vehicle and the steering wheel could not be controlled. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The dealer was not contacted. The contact replaced the track bar himself and ordered a Dodge Ram bolt; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 160,000.

Between the speeds of 50/75 hitting bumps separation of road & bridges will trigger the death wobble I been dealing with this issue for almost 6 yrs I've installed new track bar,inner & outer tie rods last mont keeping the tires rotated & balance almost got rearend by 18 wheeler had to slm on brakes lock em down to stop this brutal shake very irritating dealing with this at several times it will shake into the other lane almost causing wreaks please help thanks [redacted].

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Dodge Ram 3500. While attempting to decelerate and switch lanes, the steering linkage fractured. The contact had to apply the parking brake to slow down the vehicle. There was no warning indicator. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to take the vehicle to a local dealer for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer and the vehicle was repaired. The VIN was not included in a recall. The VIN was invalid. The failure mileage was 63,658.

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Dodge Ram 3500. While driving approximately 45 MPH, the steering wheel seized without warning. The contact coasted the vehicle to the side of the road and resumed driving to his residence. In addition, each time the vehicle drove over a bump, the front end shook violently and the tires wobbled. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 122,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Dodge Ram 3500. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH steering failed causing the contact to crash into a parked vehicle. The vehicle was not destroyed. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. There were no injuries. A police report was filed. The mechanic diagnosed that the steering gear ball joint needed to be replaced, and also an alignment and the frame had to be straightened. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Dodge Ram 3500. While driving over rough terrain at approximately 70 MPH, the steering wheel felt loose and there was a loss of steering in the front end of the vehicle. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the tie rod was faulty and the front end tie rod needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The approximate failure mileage was 115,000. Updated 09/10/15 updated 10/27/2017

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Dodge Ram 3500. The contact stated that the front passenger side wheel and tire separated from the vehicle while entering a parking area. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the front passenger side tie rod fractured. The vehicle was repaired and the tie rod was replaced. The manufacturer was contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000. Updated 04/04/16 the consumer stated the manufacturer claimed only the left tie rod was an issue. Updated 04/06/16.

Related recalls

NHTSA investigations

Steering complaints in other Ram 3500 years